- KNUT wants the Commission to specify the online conduct that could expose teachers to disciplinary action.
- Oyuu says the union supports responsible social media use but will not defend abusive or demeaning conduct.
- He argues that legitimate online expression by teachers should be distinguished from violations of professional standards.
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary-General Collins Oyuu has called on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to come clear on its circular warning teachers against misuse of social media, saying the directive should be specific rather than a blanket warning.
Oyuu said teachers need clear guidelines on what constitutes social media misconduct to avoid confusion and ensure that legitimate use of digital platforms is not unfairly restricted.
“We want TSC to come clear on this circular,” Oyuu said, urging the Commission to clearly outline the conduct that could attract disciplinary action.
He said KNUT supports responsible use of social media and would not defend teachers who use digital platforms to abuse, insult or demean other people.
“Social media is beneficial to any person, but it is wrong to misuse it. If you want to use it to abuse others, that is wrong,” he said.
Oyuu said social media has become an important part of modern communication, allowing people to access information and know what is happening around the world.
He urged teachers to use the platforms positively and responsibly, saying they could benefit professionally and personally from social media when used appropriately.
“Our members shall correctly use social media. Anything that is against professional standards, we shall advise them. Our teachers are professionals,” Oyuu said.
Teachers urged to uphold professional standards
The KNUT boss said teachers must understand that their conduct on social media can reflect on the teaching profession, particularly because they are role models to learners.
He urged teachers to avoid posting content that abuses other people or undermines their professional standing.
At the same time, Oyuu said TSC should distinguish between genuine misuse of social media and legitimate expression by teachers.
He said a broad warning could create uncertainty among teachers who use social media for constructive communication, education, information sharing and professional engagement.
“We want our teachers to use social media for positive purposes. It is embraced globally and people benefit from it because it enables them to know what is happening,” he said.
Oyuu spoke during an Inclusion Day event at Bomet Green Stadium, where 163 teachers living with disabilities received assistive devices.
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He reiterated that KNUT would continue advising its members to uphold professional standards while using social media and called on TSC to provide clearer direction on the circular.
By Philip Koech
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